SNELLVILLE – Council approved a five-year update of the Livable Centers Initiative Monday, which outlines key strategies and a work program for the Towne Center area.

The LCI is a grant program funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission to incentivize cities to re-envision part of their communities as vibrant, walkable places that offer increased mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles and provide improved access to jobs and services. Snellville joined the LCI program in 2003 with a plan for the Towne Center area and last updated the plan in 2013.

The LCI update was developed along with the Snellville 2040 Comprehensive Plan which was approved by council last month. Community members provided input through stakeholder interviews, the Comprehensive Plan Community Task Force, a booth at the Snellville Farmers’ Market and Public Safety Night, an online survey, street engagement and an open house. This update included information from an existing conditions assessment, a market analysis and a transportation analysis, among other components.

The Towne Center at Snellville includes .78 square miles of land centered on City Hall at the crossroads of Main Street (US 78) and Scenic Highway (SR 124).

Several goals of the update were included in the report. These goals were: to improve connections within and around downtown; to foster a unique and memorable neighborhood environment; attract and sustain local businesses and non-profits; to create a mix of housing so a diverse group of neighbors can call the Towne Center home; to integrate educational and family-friendly activities; and to build strong relationships with thoughtful development partners.